Hello, all. I bought my first firearm this month. A beautiful 4" Smith 66-1. Now that I have a high quality and reliable revolver, I would like to buy something a little bit cheaper. I was considering a Browning Buckmark to save money on ammo, and I also really like some of the small Taurus semis. I think something in 25 auto would be fun. Do Taurus semis have a bad rap? I avoided getting a Taurus revolver at all costs, but I haven't researched much on their other pistols. Basically, I want the cheapest gun that won't give me too many problems. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance to anyone who offers advice.
Cheap Handguns
- Thread starter rEVOLVED
- Start date
Either a Buckmark or a Ruger Mk III would be a good choice.
As to cheap, I strongly suggest going used before I get a lower quality new gun.
Many people have no problems with their Tarus' or Rossi handguns and Hi-Standard may be clunky but they do work.
But a quality used firearm can be a great bargain. Police and Military surplus such as S&W, Tokarev, CZ are usually still in very good condition. The commercial used market has some good deals as well.
As to cheap, I strongly suggest going used before I get a lower quality new gun.
Many people have no problems with their Tarus' or Rossi handguns and Hi-Standard may be clunky but they do work.
But a quality used firearm can be a great bargain. Police and Military surplus such as S&W, Tokarev, CZ are usually still in very good condition. The commercial used market has some good deals as well.
You're not going to save money on .25 ammo. Best stick with a .22.
While no one can argue with the choice of a Ruger, you might want to go a different route and look for an old Colt Woodsman. I'm fond of the 1st model, but I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy. Still, it's a John Browning design, built like a tank, and cute as a spotted puppy. Just a class piece all the way.
While something in collector's condition will run into the high three figures and beyond, a good shooter with decent cosmetics can be had for 4-500 if you keep an eye out and get lucky.
After not having to buy a couple hundred rounds of .25 ACP, the Woodsman pays for itself. And, being used, you probably won't have to sight it in. Also a babe magnet, assuming you meet one with good taste in firearms.
While no one can argue with the choice of a Ruger, you might want to go a different route and look for an old Colt Woodsman. I'm fond of the 1st model, but I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy. Still, it's a John Browning design, built like a tank, and cute as a spotted puppy. Just a class piece all the way.
While something in collector's condition will run into the high three figures and beyond, a good shooter with decent cosmetics can be had for 4-500 if you keep an eye out and get lucky.
After not having to buy a couple hundred rounds of .25 ACP, the Woodsman pays for itself. And, being used, you probably won't have to sight it in. Also a babe magnet, assuming you meet one with good taste in firearms.
SigP6Carry
New member
.22 ammo = $3 for 50 rounds. .25 ammo = $17 for 50 rounds.... yeah.... I'd never own a .25 for any reason than owning a Colt Vest Pocket.
Edit, those Taurus .22 Baretta knockoffs have always intrigued me somewhat, but have never offered the functionality that I'd look for in any firearm.
Edit, those Taurus .22 Baretta knockoffs have always intrigued me somewhat, but have never offered the functionality that I'd look for in any firearm.
PointOneSeven
New member
There are pocket .380's and .32's in the same price range as the .25's. But I agree, a small .25 is a great plinker if money is no problem 
.
The new .380 from Taurus looks promising, but the little 21a Bobcat knockoff might be frustrating at the range. My friend's taurus jammed even more than my 21a did (which already jammed too much). The pocket pistols don't feed .22 ammo as well as the target pistols everyone's mentioned.
. The new .380 from Taurus looks promising, but the little 21a Bobcat knockoff might be frustrating at the range. My friend's taurus jammed even more than my 21a did (which already jammed too much). The pocket pistols don't feed .22 ammo as well as the target pistols everyone's mentioned.
Forget the 25. Get a Ruger 22. Or a Browning. Or whatever 22 you want. Get a good one. A lot of people want to get a "cheap" 22. You'll shoot a 22 a lot more than you do any other gun. Get a good one. Good doesn't have to be expensive either. You can find Ruger and Browning 22's at very reasonable prices NIB. You can find used ones for even less.
While I agree 100%, the Woodsman doesn't usually fit into the category of "cheap", or "inexpensive". A person could likely buy a couple of used Buckmarks or Ruger Mk's for the price of a decent shooter grade Woodsman.
Or a couple of new ones for the price of a nice Woodsman.
They're great little guns, and are worth what they cost IMO, but they aren't cheap.
Daryl
Kreyzhorse
New member
Well said. Look around and find a used Ruger or S&W. A .22lr is a great place to start for cheap plinking followed by a 9mm of some kind.
PoorSoulInJersey
New member
I've owned two Taurus semis, and had so many problems that I will never own one again.
I've heard good things about their revolvers, but have never owned one.
I've heard good things about their revolvers, but have never owned one.
wnycollector
New member
Ruger MKII or MKIII .22's are great range guns if you want a reliable accurate pistol. If you want a revolver, don't overlook H&R and NEF .22's. They will not have a trigger like your S&W, but they are work horses that are built to last.
HighValleyRanch
New member
Woodsman=CHEAP????
Yeah, if anyone has a cheap woodsman for sale, I need one too!
In fact, I did own a huntsman, once, but stupidly traded it for an antique desk for my wife.....which she doesn't have anymore!
Used Ruger MK II's are going for 250.00.
Best deal around.
Yeah, if anyone has a cheap woodsman for sale, I need one too!
In fact, I did own a huntsman, once, but stupidly traded it for an antique desk for my wife.....which she doesn't have anymore!
Used Ruger MK II's are going for 250.00.
Best deal around.
Historyedguru
New member
Ruger Mk II autoloading pistols are the best buy in the field of .22 LR guns. They are proven trouble-free since 1949, they are big enough to use decent sized parts that wear well and seem to never give out. Their adjustable sights are outstanding, magazines easy to load, and they are rugged enough to have replaced the High Standards in military use. Their only negative is a somewhat tricky dis- re- assembly sequence; but other than that they are superb in every category.
aarondhgraham
New member
Inexpensive, functional, and fun,,,
The Ruger 22/45,,,
Click here please.
This is the entry level pistol of the 22/45 line,,,
Fixed sights and no scope mount,,,
Simplicity itself for $229 new.
When I go to the range I alternate which guns I take,,,
But this little puppy always goes with me,,,
I have more expensive handguns,,,
Even more accurate ones,,,
But none more fun.
I went to the Steel Challenge website and downloaded their stage library,,,
Then with $20 worth of PVC Pipe, some paper plates, and a roll of duct tape,,,
I was able to create my own practice stages for Steel Challenge and this pistol is perfect for that venue.
More fun than should be allowed by law.
So if you are looking for the least expensive pistol,,,
Yet one with very high quality and performance,,,
This is one that you should at least look into.
Pay no attention to the MSRP on the Ruger website,,,
Buds Gun Shop has them for $257,,,
I only paid $229 for mine,,,
Worth every penny.
.
The Ruger 22/45,,,
Click here please.
This is the entry level pistol of the 22/45 line,,,
Fixed sights and no scope mount,,,
Simplicity itself for $229 new.
When I go to the range I alternate which guns I take,,,
But this little puppy always goes with me,,,
I have more expensive handguns,,,
Even more accurate ones,,,
But none more fun.
I went to the Steel Challenge website and downloaded their stage library,,,
Then with $20 worth of PVC Pipe, some paper plates, and a roll of duct tape,,,
I was able to create my own practice stages for Steel Challenge and this pistol is perfect for that venue.
More fun than should be allowed by law.
So if you are looking for the least expensive pistol,,,
Yet one with very high quality and performance,,,
This is one that you should at least look into.
Pay no attention to the MSRP on the Ruger website,,,
Buds Gun Shop has them for $257,,,
I only paid $229 for mine,,,
Worth every penny.
.
Charles Ellis
New member
Since you already have a revolver for HD/SD a used H&R revolver might be a good way to practice double action shooting without breaking the bank.There is nothing wrong with a Buckmark or any of the Ruger 22lr semi autos.I have and shoot all of these,and I think it would be hard to go wrong with any of the guns mentioned.
Distortion
New member
I used to own a Taurus 85. It was a solid pistol, but I didn't like the small two-finger width grip. I decided to trade it for a Charter 357 mag pug, mainly because I wanted a 357 instead of a 38 Special. I usually have the mag pug loaded with 38 Special rounds, so I regret making that trade.
I also have a Taurus 22 revolver, and I have a problem with it. It's a nine shot, and it doesn't fire on one of the chambers.
I also have a Taurus PT22 semi auto. It is the biggest piece of excrement I own. Imagine the embarrassment of watching a semi auto's slide fling down the lane while at the range. That's happened to me. Twice, with the PT22. I still own it because I wouldn't inflict it on my worst enemy. I will have this thing melted down and sold for scrap.
I also own a Ruger Mark III 22/45. It shoots great, but I hate it. Do a google search on the problems people have with field-stripping the Mark III's (and Mark II's I think). Don't get one, unless you have the patience of Job. It is, however, an excellent shooter.
I have a Kadet kit now for my 22LR shooting needs. It's a lot more expensive route, but one you should consider if you own a CZ 75/85 model semi auto.
If I was to buy another dedicated 22LR semi auto pistol, I would probably look at the Walther SP22 line, Browning Buckmark, or S&W 22A.
I also have a Taurus 22 revolver, and I have a problem with it. It's a nine shot, and it doesn't fire on one of the chambers.
I also have a Taurus PT22 semi auto. It is the biggest piece of excrement I own. Imagine the embarrassment of watching a semi auto's slide fling down the lane while at the range. That's happened to me. Twice, with the PT22. I still own it because I wouldn't inflict it on my worst enemy. I will have this thing melted down and sold for scrap.
I also own a Ruger Mark III 22/45. It shoots great, but I hate it. Do a google search on the problems people have with field-stripping the Mark III's (and Mark II's I think). Don't get one, unless you have the patience of Job. It is, however, an excellent shooter.
I have a Kadet kit now for my 22LR shooting needs. It's a lot more expensive route, but one you should consider if you own a CZ 75/85 model semi auto.
If I was to buy another dedicated 22LR semi auto pistol, I would probably look at the Walther SP22 line, Browning Buckmark, or S&W 22A.
If you want to buy a excellent gun used,the all steel Rugers semi auto's are hard to beat.
All 22 handguns have gotten more expensive since the cost of ammo increased.
One of the best ways I've found to save money on handguns is simply to stop by my local gun shops once a week,anytime in that week and just check out the used gun cabinet.
You would be amazed at the gun deals you would find.
I once owned an old Ruger 22 semi auto with the mag button on the bottom of the grip and what an amazingly accurate gun.
Currently,I am looking without alot of urgency for a used Buckmark but they do keep their used value-as does the Ruger because they are both outstanding handguns.
The cost of ammo is what makes the 22 long rifle gun pretty much the go to caliber all the way up to the 9mm.
Everything in between is so costly -unless you reload- it's amazing to see ammo prices this high.
All 22 handguns have gotten more expensive since the cost of ammo increased.
One of the best ways I've found to save money on handguns is simply to stop by my local gun shops once a week,anytime in that week and just check out the used gun cabinet.
You would be amazed at the gun deals you would find.
I once owned an old Ruger 22 semi auto with the mag button on the bottom of the grip and what an amazingly accurate gun.
Currently,I am looking without alot of urgency for a used Buckmark but they do keep their used value-as does the Ruger because they are both outstanding handguns.
The cost of ammo is what makes the 22 long rifle gun pretty much the go to caliber all the way up to the 9mm.
Everything in between is so costly -unless you reload- it's amazing to see ammo prices this high.
I own 3 Taurus handguns along with other various brands. All of my Taurus guns have been 100% reliable. I bought a pt111 mil pro several years ago and it has been perfect. It shoots great and it's my wife's favorite gun to shoot.
Then I bought a Judge Ultra-lite. People seem to hate these guns, but I love mine. I shoot 45LC in really tight groups at 20yds & the 410 000buckshot is not something that I would want to get shot with at 5-10 yards...about the range that it was designed for PD. It's a good snake gun also.
My latest purchase was a Taurus TCP mouse gun. It eats any .380acp round I feed it (except Speer Lawman fmj for some reason). I trust my life to that gun as it stays in my front pocket all day every day loaded with Hydra-shok LE jhp. Some people have had trouble with Taurus guns, I have not had a minutes trouble out of mine.
Then I bought a Judge Ultra-lite. People seem to hate these guns, but I love mine. I shoot 45LC in really tight groups at 20yds & the 410 000buckshot is not something that I would want to get shot with at 5-10 yards...about the range that it was designed for PD. It's a good snake gun also.
My latest purchase was a Taurus TCP mouse gun. It eats any .380acp round I feed it (except Speer Lawman fmj for some reason). I trust my life to that gun as it stays in my front pocket all day every day loaded with Hydra-shok LE jhp. Some people have had trouble with Taurus guns, I have not had a minutes trouble out of mine.